An American living in the UK has been left baffled after showing off how moving across the Atlantic had a big effect on his body, as he tried to lose weight for years before his move.
The Unexpected Transformation
Russell McKinley, a gaming influencer originally from Chicago but now based in London, often makes videos comparing life between the UK and the US. Recently, he opened up about an unexpected change to his body that started happening once he moved across the Atlantic.
"The moving to the UK effect," he wrote on an Instagram video, which turned out to be a slideshow of his impressive weight loss journey over the last year.
A Year of Progress
Starting in January 2025, Russell documented his weight loss journey, beginning at 279 lbs (126.2 kg). Just a month later, he was down six pounds (2.7 kg), shown going for a run. By March, he weighed 267 lbs (121.1 kg). His weight steadily decreased each month, as he continued to enjoy delicious food and treats. In July, he went under 250 lbs, weighing 247 lbs (112 kg), while enjoying summer in London, including pub gardens and meals out.
The weight loss continued, with nine pounds lost between August and September, and similar progress the following month. By January 2026, he weighed 197 lbs (89.3 kg), having lost 82 lbs (37 kg) in a year. He continued until April 2026, reaching 177 lbs (80 kg).
Before and After
The video showed before and after photos, including him trying on shorts that fit before his weight loss. "If I knew that the better food and walking everywhere would lead to this, I would've made the move much sooner," he wrote in a comment. He added, "Cheers to everyone who has shared supportive words and encouraged me on my journey to better health."
The comment section filled with praise, as many were amazed by his accomplishment. When asked if he had tried to lose weight or if it happened naturally, Russell replied he had tried for several years in the US without success.
"It wasn't until moving to the UK that affordable whole food options became available to me and I started averaging 12,000+ steps every day instead of driving around," he explained. "I did go to the gym here and there but mostly just walked or ran up to that step count. So in a way it was always a conscious effort but the healthy habits became core to my lifestyle instead of an exclusively dedicated effort."
In a separate post, he said, "It really came down to two things I wasn't tending to... regular exercise and my relationship with food. My new lifestyle in the UK allows and encourages me to nurture both of these things. Living in the US didn't. In the US I needed a car to get everywhere, sat a lot, and was eating food that was formulated to give me health problems. Not to mention being CONSTANTLY surrounded by a culture of overconsumption..."
"The little habits that changed with my move to the UK ended up having the BIGGEST effect on me," he revealed. "Before, I would look in the mirror and see how much I let myself go, and become a bit sad. But now, I see someone who just belonged in an environment that promotes healthier living. And I feel WONDERFUL."
